Is this normal? - 3 Fat Chicks on a Diet Weight Loss Community

Paramedic · 07-31-2010, 09:09 PM

When I was younger (before high school) I use to run ALL the time. It just came so naturally to me, that I kind of took it for granted. Now that I'm over weight and out of shape, I want to run so badly like I use to.

So, today I started to try to train myself into running regularly again by doing the run 1 minute, walk 4 minutes method. Pardon my language, but it kicked my ***! I'm thinking that this is probably a good thing for my weight loss, but here's my problem: after running, it feels like it's kind of hard to breath and it feels like my trachea (I think?) gets tight and sore. It goes away after a while, but it's very frustrating.

Is this normal for someone who's out of shape? Or is it possibly something more serious? I've considered that it might be exercise endued asthma, but it never seems to get THAT bad. If it's just normal, is there anything I can do to work past it? Or is it just something that'll go away eventually as I get more in shape?

Also, if anyone has any tip on trying to get back into running, for me, feel free to share!

ncuneo · 07-31-2010, 09:34 PM

I don't know if it's normal, but I experienced the same thing. I started running again in January at about 187 lbs. I started slowly, running maybe 1/2 mile to a mile at a time about 2xs a week. Now I'm training for a half marathon and running 2-4 miles 3xs a week with a long run that increases every week 1x a week. So my advice is to take it slow and increase as you feel comfortable. I don't know what your calorie situation is but as Ive increase my distance I've had to increase my cals to keep losing. So just listen to your body and learn to identify when you need rest/recovery and/or more fuel/food.

Paramedic · 07-31-2010, 09:47 PM

Thanks for the advice, Ncuneo. I'll be sure to keep your tips in mind.

I honestly wouldn't even have thought to increase my calorie intake when I increase my distance. But, then again, I don't know much about weight loss.

LYNNEGAL22 · 07-31-2010, 11:34 PM

I used to have the same problem, kinda like how it feels when you run in really cold air but it is not cold? I was advised, and it worked, in breath through my nose, not mouth. In, In, (nose), out (mouth) in, in (nose) out (mouth). Takes awhile to not have to think about how you are breathing but now it comes naturally.

Paramedic · 08-01-2010, 03:04 PM

Oh, thanks for the breathing tip! I tired it out when I was doing my running work out and it seemed to help a lot! It definitely took away a lot of the discomfort and it felt like I was getting a lot more oxygen.

oodlesofnoodles · 08-03-2010, 01:31 AM

Try slowing down. I don't know if that's your problem, but my breathing issues all solved when I slowed down. It's just hard finding a pace when you first start out.

Make sure you breath deeply too. When running/jogging you shouldn't be panting. You should be at a pace where you can not only have a breathy conversation, but you can inhale completely and exhale completely.

This is all my personal experience, btw.